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Pictures | Wed Feb 8, 2023 | 11:21am EST

A Cuban fishing village ponders its options as U.S. policy shifts

Fishermen clean their boats after a night at sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Fishermen clean their boats after a night at sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for...more

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Fishermen clean their boats after a night at sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. This far-flung peninsula - on Cuba's north-central coast just 130 miles (210 km) south of the Florida Keys - is poised to once again become a barometer for measuring the impact of U.S. immigration policy, say residents, who for decades have watched the ebb and flow of migrants from the town's sand- and mangrove-lined shores. The latest twist: A U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba and some other countries to enter the United States each month provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A fisherman works in his boat docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A fisherman works in his boat docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A fisherman works in his boat docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Carriage driver Ulises Bosa, 55, drives his horse-drawn carriage as his employee rides a horse behind him, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. He says migration from the far-flung peninsula on Cuba's north-central coast, just 130 miles south of the Florida Keys, has affected his business. "There are less passengers and less tourists," he says.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Carriage driver Ulises Bosa, 55, drives his horse-drawn carriage as his employee rides a horse behind him, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. He says migration from the far-flung peninsula on Cuba's north-central coast, just 130 miles south...more

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Carriage driver Ulises Bosa, 55, drives his horse-drawn carriage as his employee rides a horse behind him, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. He says migration from the far-flung peninsula on Cuba's north-central coast, just 130 miles south of the Florida Keys, has affected his business. "There are less passengers and less tourists," he says.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Ana Maria Mederos, 59, sells cups of coffee for 10 pesos (8 cents) off her front porch, as her husband Jose Luis Gonzales, 56, repairs his keychain, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Cubans have made up their minds that you can't live here, and they are going to get out any way they can," she said, adding that she herself had no choice but to stay and care for a sick family member. "Those who can leave under this new program will, but there are many who won't have the possibility (of sponsorship) and will keep taking their chances by sea, over land, whatever."        REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Ana Maria Mederos, 59, sells cups of coffee for 10 pesos (8 cents) off her front porch, as her husband Jose Luis Gonzales, 56, repairs his keychain, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a...more

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Ana Maria Mederos, 59, sells cups of coffee for 10 pesos (8 cents) off her front porch, as her husband Jose Luis Gonzales, 56, repairs his keychain, in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Isabela de Sagua long ago became known in Cuba as a jumping-off point for maritime migrants, tempted by its proximity to U.S. territory and rules that were formerly lenient on Cubans who arrived by water. Now a U.S. "parole" program announced in early January will allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "Cubans have made up their minds that you can't live here, and they are going to get out any way they can," she said, adding that she herself had no choice but to stay and care for a sick family member. "Those who can leave under this new program will, but there are many who won't have the possibility (of sponsorship) and will keep taking their chances by sea, over land, whatever."        REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Children riding bicycles pass by an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Children riding bicycles pass by an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the...more

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Children riding bicycles pass by an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Everyone is talking about it," said Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year fisherman. He told Reuters the town was fast losing its population, fleeing the worst economic crisis to hit the country in decades. "People here are desperate to leave."     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Miguel Negrin, 56 (R) sells vegetables from a homemade trailer towed behind his Buick 58 in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said.          REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Miguel Negrin, 56 (R) sells vegetables from a homemade trailer towed behind his Buick 58 in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said.        ...more

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Miguel Negrin, 56 (R) sells vegetables from a homemade trailer towed behind his Buick 58 in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said.          REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Pedicab driver Renier Gonzales, 37, passes by kids playing baseball on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Pedicab driver Renier Gonzales, 37, passes by kids playing baseball on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Pedicab driver Renier Gonzales, 37, passes by kids playing baseball on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A man wears a shirt decorated with the U.S. flag as he walks on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A man wears a shirt decorated with the U.S. flag as he walks on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A man wears a shirt decorated with the U.S. flag as he walks on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Felix Garcia, 60, who is retired from the military and disabled with epilepsy, and his wife Daisy Morales, 59, stand on the front porch of their home in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Garcia and his wife live off 1,500 pesos a month, approximately 12.50 USD at the official exchange rate. He told Reuters he had not been able to find medicine for his illness in months. He thinks it unlikely he will join the U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "The parole program works if you have someone to sponsor you. But me? I have no one," he said. "I will probably die here."      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Felix Garcia, 60, who is retired from the military and disabled with epilepsy, and his wife Daisy Morales, 59, stand on the front porch of their home in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Garcia and his wife live off 1,500 pesos a month,...more

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Felix Garcia, 60, who is retired from the military and disabled with epilepsy, and his wife Daisy Morales, 59, stand on the front porch of their home in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. Garcia and his wife live off 1,500 pesos a month, approximately 12.50 USD at the official exchange rate. He told Reuters he had not been able to find medicine for his illness in months. He thinks it unlikely he will join the U.S. "parole" program announced in early January that allows 30,000 migrants from Cuba, as well as other countries, to enter the United States monthly provided they apply online, find a financial sponsor and pay airfare. "The parole program works if you have someone to sponsor you. But me? I have no one," he said. "I will probably die here."      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A mule called Marguerita eats sugar from the hands of a woman on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A mule called Marguerita eats sugar from the hands of a woman on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A mule called Marguerita eats sugar from the hands of a woman on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Fishermen collect their nets in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Fishermen collect their nets in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Fishermen collect their nets in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.   REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A pelican swims beside fishing boats docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A pelican swims beside fishing boats docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A pelican swims beside fishing boats docked in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A fisherman rests after returning from sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A fisherman rests after returning from sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A fisherman rests after returning from sea in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Fisherman Hansel Herrera, 27, poses for a photograph in his garage in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Fisherman Hansel Herrera, 27, poses for a photograph in his garage in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Fisherman Hansel Herrera, 27, poses for a photograph in his garage in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A pedicab driver sells vegetables on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A pedicab driver sells vegetables on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A pedicab driver sells vegetables on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Vegetable seller Miguel Negrin, 56, drives his Buick 58 as he looks for clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Vegetable seller Miguel Negrin, 56, drives his Buick 58 as he looks for clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said.    REUTERS/Alexandre...more

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Vegetable seller Miguel Negrin, 56, drives his Buick 58 as he looks for clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023. "Whoever can take advantage of Biden's program better, because it won't last long," Negrin said.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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An assault rifle is painted on the wall of an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

An assault rifle is painted on the wall of an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
An assault rifle is painted on the wall of an abandoned building in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Livia Herrera, 26 (R), whose husband recently left to the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Livia Herrera, 26 (R), whose husband recently left to the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Livia Herrera, 26 (R), whose husband recently left to the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Livia Herrera, 26, whose husband recently left for the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Livia Herrera, 26, whose husband recently left for the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Livia Herrera, 26, whose husband recently left for the United States by boat and is planning to bring his family with him once he is legally settled, works in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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People drink in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

People drink in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
People drink in a bar in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.  REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A man buys beer from a snack shop on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A man buys beer from a snack shop on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A man buys beer from a snack shop on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.    REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A street vendor talks to clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A street vendor talks to clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A street vendor talks to clients in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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Children play on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Children play on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
Children play on the street in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 28, 2023.     REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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A family rests on a pier in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A family rests on a pier in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Reuters / Wednesday, February 08, 2023
A family rests on a pier in Isabela de Sagua, Cuba, January 27, 2023.      REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini
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